The Nintendo Switch 2 is coming with many changes and seems like a big step for Nintendo. With each new generation, console makers tend to try out new features and innovate to see what works well. While we would like to see something like Achievements, Nintendo seems to be against borrowing an idea from Xbox.

Nintendo has said that the Switch 2 development had a clear vision from the start. This means that if Nintendo didn't want a feature added to the platform, it was not going to get added. This means that features like Achievements have no hope if Nintendo has a reason in mind for the exclusion.

Nintendo Switch 2 Does Not Have System-Wide Achievements

The Switch 2 Is Continuing A 20-Year Tradition

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will not have a built-in achievement system. Bill Trinen, a top executive at Nintendo of America, clearly said "Nope" when Polygon asked if the Switch 2 would include achievements. This means Nintendo is sticking with its usual approach of not having a universal way to track achievements across all games.

Some individual Switch games, like Zelda games, have their own achievements through the Nintendo Switch app. Some third-party games on the Switch 2 might still include achievements, like EA’s own system. It is strange to know that achievements are not coming to the console when they feel like a staple of the industry.

This choice matters because many players like and expect achievements as part of their current playthroughs. Other platforms, such as Xbox, Steam, PlayStation, Google Play, and even Apple Arcade, have achievement systems that help keep players coming back. Achievements often push players to try different ways of playing, replay games on harder difficulties, or find hidden secrets—all of which can make games feel more rewarding and last longer. Since the Switch 2 won’t have this feature, it stands out in a way that might disappoint players who enjoy tracking and earning achievements.

While not everyone cares about achievements, many players find them motivating. Not having a built-in achievement system could also mean that some players won’t spend as much time on certain games because getting achievements adds to replayability. It's a way to show off how s earned more stars or did something unique in the games. It also shows what percentage of players did or did not earn that same achievement.

PlayStation Eventually Gave In To Xbox's Achievements

Sony Saw The Potential In Borrowing An Idea

Sony’s history with achievement systems tells an interesting story; at first, Sony resisted the idea but later decided to adopt features that Microsoft’s Xbox had already made popular. When Microsoft released the Xbox 360 in 2005, it came with a new feature called the Gamerscore system, which tracked and rewarded players for completing in-game challenges. On the other hand, Sony was more hesitant, which did not help sales of the PlayStation 3.

When the PlayStation 3 launched, it didn’t have a similar system. Instead, Sony focused on the game experience and building its PlayStation Network (PSN) online service. This wasn’t because Sony lacked the technology to create an achievement system—they certainly could have done it—but because the company wanted to keep their brand unique and avoid simply copying what Microsoft was doing. I was someone who was on PS3 at that time, and I wishing Sony had a system like Xbox.

It became hard to ignore how much players loved Xbox Achievements, compare their progress, and share their accomplishments. As this trend grew in the gaming community, Sony eventually gave in by releasing its PlayStation Trophies system. Unfortunately, this would not retroactively unlock trophies players would have earned, but it was at least on the system. Trophies also became part of players’ PSN profiles, making sharing accomplishments and competing with friends easier. It was also fun to earn platinum trophies.

Nintendo likely believes its games are engaging enough on their own without needing extra rewards to keep players interested.

Sony’s shift in approach shows that staying true to your brand doesn’t mean you have to ignore good ideas from competitors. While it’s important to keep a unique style, recognizing when another company’s features improve the player experience can lead to big improvements for the platform. This is a useful lesson for Nintendo, as its reluctance to add achievements makes it feel like it's falling behind instead of charting its path.

Achievements Are Up To Developers

Nintendo's Developers Can Make Their Own Achievements System

The Nintendo Switch doesn’t have a single, built-in way to track achievements like other gaming systems. It’s up to each game’s developers to decide if and how they want to include achievements or a trophy system for players. Some game studios make custom achievement systems that fit perfectly with their game’s style or story. These can be creative and add extra fun to the gameplay.

The downside is that these systems can be very different from one game to another. One game might have a detailed, rewarding achievement system, while another might have something much simpler—or no achievements.

When games from other platforms are brought to the Switch, they sometimes keep their original achievement systems. However, if the developers don’t add them, the Switch version might not have any achievements, even though the same game on other systems does.

This highlights Nintendo's overall approach to grabbing new ideas from others. The company doesn't want achievements, so it won't make any rules. It's up to the developer, and it does not matter that it has become an industry staple; it's like Nintendo is washing its hands of the whole system. Hopefully, that will change, but it's doubtful.

Switch 2 Achievements Won't Come Anytime Soon

Nintendo Is Standing Firm On This Decision

Nintendo has clarified that the Nintendo Switch 2 will not have a built-in achievement system when it launches, and the company doesn't plan to add one later. Nintendo likes to keep things simple, even if it means leaving out popular features like background music in the eShop for the Nintendo Switch 2. Based on this, it means that fans shouldn't get their hopes up for achievements.

Many, including myself, find it difficult to see the logic in not adding standardized features. Nintendo’s refusal to add system-wide achievements seems motivated by its company culture. If Nintendo strongly believes in doing things its way and not following trends, then it would make less sense to do anything just because it's popular.

Nintendo may think achievements could hurt how players enjoy their games, making them focus too much on rewards instead of just having fun. The company could also want players not to worry about achievements as a way of having unnecessary competition. Nintendo likely believes its games are engaging enough on their own without needing extra rewards to keep players interested.

Right now, Nintendo isn’t changing its mind about achievements. The company hasn't been competing with Sony or Xbox for a while and has worked well. No one can say what works except for Nintendo itself. Any change would have to fit Nintendo’s values. So, while nothing is impossible, it doesn’t seem likely that Nintendo Switch 2 will soon add a system-wide achievement feature.

Source: Tyler Colp/Polygon